ISS Launches Online Shopping Portal
New ISS Supply Marketplace Consolidates Shopping School-Wide
ISS has been supporting procurement and delivery of school supplies for international schools for decades, typically handling about 15,000 orders throughout the year to most continents. Their logistics and customs-navigation experience has become even more acutely valued by customers due to recent supply chain issues. This latest introduction of the ISS Supply Marketplace is designed to further streamline the ordering process, enabling schools to add as many staff users as desired, see real-time pricing, and expedite order approvals for products from popular vendors.
The portal includes products from more than 20 categories including electronics, furniture and equipment, textbooks, music and sports apparatus, and more. ISS officials shared that the critical logistical management is built directly into their service, differentiating from other online sellers. Once an order is placed, the ISS School Supply Team utilizes its planning and logistical infrastructure to get the order delivered to the schools in the most efficient and cost-effective way possible, often navigating a variety of customs agencies and complex transportation scenarios.
Keith Cincotta, Director of School Supply commented, “We’ve created the ISS Supply Marketplace to help make the supply process easier, more convenient and more flexible for educators. Teachers and administrators can shop for their favorite school supply brands, keep track of budgets, and submit their orders easily and intuitively. We know teachers are busy and pulled in a lot of directions; we are very happy to know that the ISS Supply Marketplace will help save time and simplify their to-do lists.”
The ISS Supply Marketplace received positive reviews in its 2021 beta testing phase about its ease of use and ability to reduce a school’s workload. Cincotta shared, “Interest has been overwhelming. Last week, we invited our current customers to be the first to join the portal and the response has been utterly incredible. Everyone wants to be a part of it. That’s when you know you’ve done something that really helps a school.”
ISS is now opening the portal to other interested international schools. There is no fee to join the ISS Supply Marketplace. International schools interested in setting up an account can submit an interest form.
About International Schools Services (ISS)
As a nonprofit organization, International Schools Services (ISS) works with more than 800 international schools and tens of thousands of educators each year across its suite of services, creating the largest global footprint in international education support. Since its inception in 1955, ISS has promoted innovative best practices for global education. Core services include starting and operating student-centered, future-oriented schools; recruiting world-class educators and leaders; providing cutting-edge professional learning opportunities; sourcing essential school supplies; administering school foundations; and encouraging more diverse leadership in international schools. With offices in Princeton, NJ USA and Shenzhen, China and staff located across the globe, ISS invites all to join in making a world of difference. For more information, see iss.edu.